The List - International target men

With City players stationed around the globe this week as they prepare for international action, The List examines which Sky Blues stars are most prolific in front of goal for their country…

With double headers on the cards for many teams this week, the totals could be a little different in a few days’ time…!

Edin Dzeko – Bosnia and Herzegovina, 31 goals

The Bosnian Diamond is a legend in his homeland, and with these stats it’s easy to see why. Edin Dzeko has 31 goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina colours from just 56 appearances. The striker started as he meant to go on, scoring a spectacular volley on his debut against Turkey to level the scores.

Now Bosnia’s record goalscorer, Dzeko is joint top scorer in the European section of 2014 World Cup Qualification, tied with the Netherlands’ Robin van Persie on eight strikes.

David Silva – Spain, 20

A list regular, is there anything David Silva can’t do? Top of the pile for assists in a City shirt, he’s not bad in front of goal himself, having notched 20 times while wearing the colours of Spain.

Capped at u17 and u21 level before reaching the senior team, Merlin started every single match as his country swept to victory at Euro 2012 and scored the opening goal in the final, subsequently being named in the Team of the Tournament.

Sergio Aguero – Argentina, 19

Since making his debut for the senior Argentina side against Brazil in 2006, Sergio Aguero has found the net 19 times in 46 appearances. Crucially, the City striker has grabbed five goals for his country in the current 2014 World Cup qualification campaign.

A gold medal winner in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sergio scored a brace against Brazil in the semi-finals to ensure safe passage to the final. Sadly, those two don’t count towards his senior international total!

Yaya Toure – Ivory Coast, 16

A vital cog in Ivory Coast’s midfield, Yaya Toure has contributed 16 goals for the Elephants, since scoring for the first time in the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.

Yaya has competed in two World Cups and five Cup of Nations tournaments as part of the Ivorian ‘golden generation’.

Currently on 80 international appearances, the midfield powerhouse will be aiming to reach his century in the next few years before he hangs up his boots.

Stevan Jovetic – Montenegro, 10

Stevan Jovetic featured in the first ever match played by the Montenegro national team against Hungary in 2007, and his first goals came against the same side in 2008, when he grabbed a brace.

The second highest goalscorer in Montegrin history behind Mirko Vucinic, Stevan will be hoping to add to his tally as his country aim to qualify for the World Cup for the very first time.

It would be the first major tournament at which Stevan has had the opportunity to participate, as his country suffered Euro 2012 heartbreak when they lost a playoff to the Czech Republic.

Alvaro Negredo – Spain, 8

Eligible for a Spain side littered with talent in all positions, Alvaro Negredo has made just 17 senior appearances – but his eight goals demonstrate a fantastic return when he is on the pitch!

He missed out on the 2010 World Cup, but was part of the squad for the 2012 European Championships, where he collected a winner’s medal.

Alvaro added to his total in the last round of international fixtures, and will be aiming to cement his place ahead of Brazil 2014.

Samir Nasri – France, 5

Capped at all youth levels for France, Samir Nasri has found the net on five occasions for the seniors.

Nasri missed out on South Africa 2010 with Les Bleus, but England fans may remember his solitary goal in the 2012 European Championships – he grabbed France’s equaliser against the Three Lions in the group stage clash.

Returning to the international fold after suspension, the City star notched his fifth goal in his last international outing, giving France the lead after they had found themselves trailing to Belarus.

We’ll keep you updated on the progress of all our International Blues this week, and their countries, right here on mcfc.co.uk.